JUNEAU, AK -- The Alaska House of Representatives passed HB 044 by a unanimous 36-0 vote. The measure, supported by the National ATM Council, allows independent ATM providers in Alaska to levy a surcharge on ATM transactions using foreign/non-U.S. bank-issued debit/credit cards.

The current interplay between global financial network rules and Alaskan law has allowed bank ATMs but not independent ATMs to collect surcharges on international card transactions in the state. This glitch is being remedied by HB044.

Following House passage on April 12, the bill moved on to the Alaska State Senate and referred to the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee for further consideration.

NAC expressed its appreciation to Alaska State Representative Daniel Ortiz, along with the bill's co-sponsors, Representatives Josh Revak and Sara Hannan, for introducing the legislation and continuing to pursue passage over the past two years.

"Based upon the positive momentum exhibited in the Alaska House, NAC is encouraged that HB 044 will soon become law," NAC said in a statement. "We will continue closely monitoring the progress of this beneficial measure and keep [ATM industry members] updated on any major developments."